Media width sensing

ABSTRACT

Printing a graphic media product is described. The media product has an indicia marked on a media substrate. An installation of a supply of the media substrate is detected. A sensor is activated based on the detection of the installation. The activated sensor measures a width of the installed media substrate. A center position of the media substrate is computed based on the measured width. The marking of the indicia upon the media substrate is aligned relative to the computed center position of the media substrate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/923,723 for Media Width Sensing filed Oct. 27, 2015 (andpublished Apr. 27, 2017 as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017/0118355).Each of the foregoing patent application and patent publication ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

The present invention relates generally to printing. More particularly,example embodiments of the present invention relate to alignment ofprinted indicia on media substrates.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking, graphic media products present information visuallyto viewers. The graphic media products may comprise symbols, onedimensional (1D) and two dimensional (2D) data patterns such as barcodesand matrix code patterns, text, graphics, images, emblems, and otherindicia (collectively, “indicia”), which may be marked on a blank mediasubstrate by various printing systems (“printers”).

The clarity with which a printer marks the indicia on the medium issignificant to the effectiveness with which the graphic media productpresents the information and thus, to the intelligibility, legibility,and usefulness of the information to the viewers. To promote the clearmarking of the indicia, various clarity criteria, expectations,specifications, and standards have emerged and/or been established.

For example, data patterns may be printed to comply with a programmedquality specification, and/or to quality standards promulgated by theAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), InternationalElectrotechnical Commission (IEC) International Organization forStandardization (ISO), and other authorities. Thus, 1D Universal ProductCode (UPC) and 2D matrix data patterns may be specified to comply withquality specifications set forth in the ‘ANSI/UCC5’ standard.

Further, 1D International (or/also “European”) Article Number (EAN) andUPC/EAN linear barcode patterns may be specified to comply with qualityspecifications set forth in the ‘ISO/IEC 12516’ standard. PDF417 datacode patterns pattern, which comprise four vertical bar symbols disposedover 17 horizontally disposed spacer symbols, may be specified to complywith the ISO/EC-15438 standard. Quick Response (QR), Han Xin, and other2D data patterns may be specified to comply with quality specificationsset forth in the ‘ISO/IEC 15415’ standard. Text may be printed toconform to any of a variety of specified fonts, styles, and/or opticalcharacter recognition (OCR) standards.

In addition to specific application to the appearance with which theindicia themselves are marked, the position at which the indicia aremarked upon the media substrate may also be significant to theeffectiveness with which the graphic media product presents theinformation and thus again, to the intelligibility, legibility, andusefulness of the information to the viewers. Some graphic mediaproducts may be used with applications in which the accuracy with whichthe indicia are marked on the media substrate may be especiallysignificant.

For example, labels are typically applied onto containers and packagingused for dispensing medicines, such as narcotics, radiopharmaceuticalsand other therapeutic or diagnostic drugs. As such, the labels may beapplied for the purpose of providing important information to users ofthe item. The information may relate to the safe use of the items and/orprecautions, “side-effects,” hazards, and/or dangers associated withusing the item.

In such uses, the print quality specifications may comprise significantrigor with respect to strictures for heightened levels of accuracy inrelation to a specified target position, and precision in relation tothe uniformity with which the markings are applied repetitively to thespecified target positions over a printing run of multiple labels orother print products. Printers are thus designed and configured toposition the marking of the indicia onto the media substrate. Forexample, some printers may be configured for a ‘left justification’ ofthe markings, or for center tracking.

The media substrate may comprise a web of paper, plastic, or othermaterials upon which the indicia may be marked. The media substrate maycomprise a stack of individual blank pages disposed in a tray, fromwhich it may be drawn by a feed mechanism of the printer and fed into amarking mechanism thereof for the marking of the indicia thereon. Theweb may also, or alternatively, comprise a rolled configuration disposedupon a spool, or an accordion-like configuration disposed in a magazine.

The indicia may comprise a pattern formed by application of plurality ofdots or other picture elements (pixels) of a marking agent, such as anink or a thermally sensitive marking material, by the printing mechanismto the media substrate. The media width may be measured in relation tothe total number of dots or other pixels along a horizontal line fromone lateral edge of the media substrate to the opposite lateral edgethereof.

Printers may be left justifying or center tracking. Left justifyingprinters align the printing with reference to the left-most lateral edgeof the media substrate. Center tracking printers align the marking ofthe indicia relative to a center position of the media substrate. Thecenter position runs longitudinally in relation to the direction of feedand/or print, and parallel and equidistant to each of the oppositelateral edges of the media substrate.

With center tracking printers, users' knowledge of the correct width ofthe media substrate, and configuring a corresponding setting aresignificant to correct printing of media products conforming to qualitystandards and specifications, and the clear communication of informationpresented therewith. Errors relating to the correct width measurementand the corresponding setting configurations can lead to printingfailures or faulty and/or ‘out-of-specification’ print products.

Such errors may relate to erroneous manual calculations or unitconversion performed by the users, the precision of the measurementdevices or accuracy of estimates and the effects of measurement relateddeviation factors. The errors may also relate to the use of externaltools, such as associated software and/or printer webpages, to configurethe printer settings corresponding to the media width.

Moreover, the errors are associated with a single media measuringprocess cycle. A media width measurement cycle begins anew upon asubsequent change to a medium of a different width. Thus, errorsrelating to media width measurement and setting configuration may recuror deteriorate, with subsequent failures or faulty, out-of-specificationprint products.

It could be useful, therefore, to reduce reliance on users' knowledgeand memory in configuring correct width settings for various mediasubstrates. It could also be useful to configure the width settings withsufficient correctness for printing of media products in conformance toquality standards and specifications, and to promote the clearcommunication of information presented therewith. Further, it could beuseful to reduce errors relating to the correct width measurement andthe corresponding setting configurations, and related occurrence ofprinting failures or faulty and/or out-of-specification print products.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, an example embodiment of the presentinvention relates to printing a graphic media product. Exampleembodiments reduce reliance on users' knowledge and memory inconfiguring correct width settings for various media substrates. Exampleembodiments configure the width settings with sufficient correctness forprinting of media products in conformance to quality standards andspecifications, and to promote the clear communication of informationpresented therewith. Further, example embodiments reduce errors relatingto the correct width measurement and the corresponding settingconfigurations, and related occurrence of printing failures or faultyand/or out-of-specification print products.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a system forprinting a graphic media product. The graphic media product comprises anindicia marked upon a media substrate. The system comprises a printmechanism, a detector, a sensor, and a processor operable for computinga center position of the media substrate.

The print mechanism is operable for marking the indicia upon the mediasubstrate. The detector is operable for detecting an installation of asupply of the media substrate for feeding to the print mechanism, andfor activating the sensor based on the detection of the installation ofthe media substrate. The sensor is operable for measuring a width of theinstalled media substrate. The processor is operable for computing acenter position of the media substrate based on the measured width. Themarking of the indicia is aligned relative to the computed centerposition of the media substrate.

In an example embodiment of the present invention, the media substratecomprises a plurality of marks. The marks are disposed along at leastone line perpendicular to a line running longitudinally along a lengthof a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate and/orequidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof, and eachof the a pair of opposing lateral edges. The media substrate may alsocomprise a plurality of gaps between each of the marks. The gapscomprise a shade and/or a brightness at least approximating a shade or abrightness of the media substrate. The marks comprise a shade and/or abrightness darker than that of the gaps. In an example embodiment, themeasuring the width of the installed media substrate with the activatedsensor, and/or the computing the center position of the media substratebased on the measured width, comprises counting the gaps, and/orcounting the marks.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a method forprinting a graphic media product. The media product comprises an indiciamarked on a media substrate. An installation of a supply of the mediasubstrate is detected. A sensor is activated based on the detection ofthe installation. The activated sensor measures a width of the installedmedia substrate. A center position of the media substrate is computedbased on the measured width. The marking of the indicia upon the mediasubstrate is aligned relative to the computed center position of themedia substrate. An example embodiment may be implemented in which thesystem summarized above is operable for performing the method forprinting a graphic media product.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a graphicmedia product, which is printed by a process for marking an indicia upona media substrate. The printing process may comprise one or more of themethod steps summarized above.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to anon-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions,which when executed by one or more computer processors controls and/orcauses performance of the method for printing a graphic media productsummarized above.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other example features,functions and/or aspects of embodiments of the invention, and the mannerin which the same are accomplished, are further explained within thefollowing detailed description of example embodiments and each figure(“FIG.”) of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a typical left justifying printer, for comparison to anexample embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A depicts an example center tracking printer in a “desktopprinting” use, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B depicts an example center tracking printer configuration,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A depicts an example of centered printing, according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B depicts an example of off-center printing, for comparison to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts an example system for printing a graphic media product,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart for an example method for printing a graphicmedia product, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A depicts an example 1D ‘drag’ mode media product, according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B depicts an example 1D ‘picket fence’ mode media product,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6C depicts an example 2D media product, according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 6D depicts an example text based media product, according to anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 depicts an example computer and network platform, with which anembodiment of the present invention may be practiced.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments of the present invention are described in relationto systems and methods for printing an indicia on a graphic medium. Inan example embodiment, a system for printing the indicia on the graphicmedium comprises an indicia marked upon a media substrate. The systemcomprises a print mechanism, a detector, a sensor, and a processoroperable for computing a center position of the media substrate.

The print mechanism is operable for marking the indicia upon the mediasubstrate. The detector is operable for detecting an installation of asupply of the media substrate for feeding to the print mechanism, andfor activating the sensor based on the detection of the installation ofthe media substrate. The sensor is operable for measuring a width of theinstalled media substrate. The processor is operable for computing acenter position of the media substrate based on the measured width. Themarking of the indicia is aligned relative to the computed centerposition of the media substrate.

Overview.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a method forprinting a graphic media product. The media product comprises an indiciamarked on a media substrate. An installation of a supply of the mediasubstrate is detected. A sensor is activated based on the detection ofthe installation. The activated sensor measures a width of the installedmedia substrate. A center position of the media substrate is computedbased on the measured width. The marking of the indicia upon the mediasubstrate is aligned relative to the computed center position of themedia substrate.

The media substrate is fed to a print head along a direction of thefeeding and the printing of the graphic media product. The computedcenter position is located along a line running longitudinally along alength of a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate andequidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof.

The media substrate is fed in a direction of the feeding and theprinting of the graphic media product, and the length of the plane maybe measured over the surface of the fed media substrate. The length maybe measured along the longitudinal line on which the computed centerposition is located.

The computation of the center position of the media substrate based onthe measured width may comprise tracking a number of setting adjustmentsinputted in relation to configuring a setting corresponding to themeasured width.

Prior to the marking of the indicia, the media substrate is blank. Asused herein, the term “blank” may refer to a substantially unmarkedsubstrate of the print medium.

A substantially blank print media substrate supplied for printinggraphic media products. As used in this sense, the term “substantiallyblank” refers to the media substrate comprising an unmarked state inrelation to any printed indicia, except for any identifiers,descriptors, and/or “watermarks” or other security (or other) features,which if present, are intended to typically escape common perceptualnotice not directed specifically thereto. The substantially blank mediasubstrate comprises, in this sense, virgin media ready to be marked withthe printed indicia.

In an example embodiment, the substantially blank media substrate doescomprise a plurality of marks such as dots, disposed along at least oneline perpendicular to one or more of a line running longitudinally alonga length of a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrateand equidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof, andeach of the a pair of opposing lateral edges.

The media substrate further comprises a plurality of gaps between eachof the marks, wherein the gaps comprise one or more of a shade or abrightness at least approximating a shade or a brightness of the mediasubstrate, wherein the marks comprise one or more of a shade or abrightness darker than that of the gaps. An example embodiment may beimplemented in which, while the dots or other marks and/or the gapsbetween them are detectable by a sensor, they are neither readily, orintentionally noticeable or perceptible to users of the media (unless,e.g., knowledgeable users are specifically seeking to observe them), norwill they substantially mar or interfere with, or comprise a readilynoticeable component of, or artifact displayed with, informationpresented by substantive indicia marked (e.g., subsequently) upon themedia substrate.

The measuring of the width of the installed media substrate with theactivated sensor, and/or the computing the center position of the mediasubstrate based on the measured width may comprise counting the marks.Alternatively or additionally, the measuring of the width of theinstalled media substrate with the activated sensor, and/or thecomputing the center position of the media substrate based on themeasured width may comprise counting the gaps between the marks.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a graphicmedia product, which is printed by a process for marking an indicia upona media substrate. The printing process may comprise one or more of themethod steps described above.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to anon-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions,which when executed by one or more computer processors controls and/orcauses performance of the method for printing a graphic media productdescribed above.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a system forprinting a graphic media product. The graphic media product comprises anindicia marked upon a media substrate. The system comprises a printmechanism, a detector, a sensor, and a processor operable for computinga center position of the media substrate. The print mechanism isoperable for marking the indicia upon the media substrate. The detectoris operable for detecting an installation of a supply of the mediasubstrate for feeding to the print mechanism, and for activating thesensor based on the detection of the installation of the mediasubstrate. The sensor is operable for measuring a width of the installedmedia substrate. A processor is operable for computing a center positionof the media substrate based on the measured width. The marking of theindicia is aligned relative to the computed center position of the mediasubstrate.

The system may also comprise a feeder mechanism. The feeder is operablefor feeding the media substrate to the print mechanism. The mediasubstrate is fed along a direction of the feeding and the printing ofthe graphic media product.

The computed center position is located along a line runninglongitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface ofthe media substrate and equidistant between a pair of opposing lateraledges thereof. The sensor may be operable further for measuring thelength of the plane over the surface of the fed media substrate. Thelength may be measured along the longitudinal line on which the computedcenter position is located.

The system may further comprise an input mechanism. The input mechanismis operable for inputting one or more setting adjustments over anadjustment range in relation to configuring a setting corresponding tothe measured width inputted.

In an example embodiment of the present invention, the media substratecomprises a plurality of marks. The marks are disposed along at leastone line perpendicular to a line running longitudinally along a lengthof a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate and/orequidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof, and eachof the a pair of opposing lateral edges. The media substrate may alsocomprise a plurality of gaps between each of the marks. The gapscomprise a shade and/or a brightness at least approximating a shade or abrightness of the media substrate. The marks comprise a shade and/or abrightness darker than that of the gaps. In an example embodiment, themeasuring the width of the installed media substrate with the activatedsensor, and/or the computing the center position of the media substratebased on the measured width, comprises counting the gaps, and/orcounting the marks.

The graphic media product comprises the indicia marked upon the mediasubstrate. The print medium may comprise a thermally markable material.The thermally markable material is heat sensitive. A thermal print head(TPH) printing mechanism is operable for marking the indicia upon thethermally sensitive medium by controllably heating dots or other pixelsat target positions distributed over the marking surface of the mediasubstrate, which correspond to components of the indicia, such asportions of a symbol. At each of the locally heated positions, themedium may darken chemically from a lighter shade or color to a darkershade or color (or vice versa), or a thermally transferred material maybe transferred from a marking substrate to darken a lighter colored orshaded media substrate base (or vice versa).

Other media substrates may be marked by other techniques. For example,the media substrate may comprise paper, plastic, and/or other markablematerials. Paper based print media may be marked with ink based markingmaterials. Metallic or other media substrates may be etched by lasers,or with print mechanisms operable for controllably applying a chemicaletching material such as acids or other solvents.

Example embodiments of the present invention are thus useful forprinting graphic media products. Example embodiments reduce reliance onusers' knowledge and memory in configuring correct width settings forvarious media substrates. Example embodiments configure the widthsettings with sufficient correctness for printing of media products inconformance to quality standards and specifications, and to promote theclear communication of information presented therewith. Further, exampleembodiments reduce errors relating to the correct width measurement andthe corresponding setting configurations, and related occurrence ofprinting failures or faulty and/or out-of-specification print products.

Example Center Tracking Printing System.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a system forprinting a graphic media product. The center tracking printing systemmay comprise a feature of a printer apparatus used in a desk-top ofother (e.g., industrial) use, environment, situation, application,circumstance, endeavor, etc.

FIG. 2A depicts an example center tracking printer 20 in a “desktopprinting” use, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Amedia substrate 21 is loaded into a supply magazine, such as a “papertray.” The media substrate has a horizontal width 25, which spans thesubstrate 21 from a left edge 29 to an opposing right edge 28. A centerline ‘0’ runs longitudinally over the length of the substrate 21equidistant between the left edge 29 and the right edge 21. Thecenterline 0 is tracked and the marking of an indicia on the substrateis aligned in relation to the tracked centerline.

FIG. 1 depicts a typical left justifying printer 10, for comparison toan example embodiment of the present invention. In contrast with exampleembodiments of the present invention, the left justifying printer 10aligns a marking of indicia on a substrate 11 in relation to theleft-most edge 19 of the substrate 19, which has a width 15.

FIG. 2B depicts an example configuration of the center tracking printer20, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printer 20comprises a sensor 44 operable for measuring the lateral width 25 of amedia substrate 21, such as a label or other indicia may be marked. Thewidth 25 of the media 21 substrate may correspond to the optimum ormaximum width with which a TPH or other print head may operate. Thesensor may be operable for measuring the media width by counting anumber of equally sized dots 28 (or other pixel styles), and/or gaps 27between the dots 28, laterally between the left edge 29 of the substrate21 to the right edge 23 thereof.

For example, the TPH width 25 may comprise a span of 800 dots. A labelor other media product of three inches (3 in.) width spans 600 dotsand/or gaps. In an example embodiment, the sensor 44 automaticallyconfigures a corresponding printing width to span the 600 dots, etc.width. Moreover, the processor 45 computes the longitudinal 0 centerlineequidistant between the left media edge 29 and the right media edge 23and aligns the marking of the label or other indicia upon the substratein relation to the computer centerline. Truncated data 26 may appear tothe left and the right of the label 21, each comprising a span of 100dots, etc.

FIG. 3A depicts an example of centered printing, according to anembodiment of the present invention. The substrate of a graphic mediaproduct 31 comprises a first edge 381, and a second edge 389. The secondedge 389 is parallel to and opposite from the first edge 381. Relativeto the orientation of the indicia marked in the printout area 21, e.g.,in which text symbols may be read (and/or graphic symbols observed) in a“right-side-up” orientation, the first edge 381 may comprise an “upper”edge, and the second edge 389 may comprise a “lower” edge, of the mediaproducts 31 (and 32).

A target area 33 corresponds to (e.g., matches spatially, covered by)the target position comprises an upper bound separated by a firstdesignated distance, e.g., two vertical displacement units, from thecomputer 0 centerline of the graphic medium substrate 31, and a lowerbound separated by a second designated distance, e.g., also two verticaldisplacement units, from the computer 0 centerline of the graphic mediumsubstrate. In the centered printout 333, the printout 335 is positionedon, over, or within the target area 366, in alignment with the computer0 centerline. The computer 0 centerline runs longitudinally over thesubstrate 31 equidistant from the upper edge 381 and the lower edge 389;five units from each of the edges. As used herein the term “centered”refers to the marking of the printout within the target position 33,disposed over the area and thus, with equidistant separation between itsupper edge and its lower edge from the computed 0 centerline.

FIG. 3B depicts an example of off-center printing 39, for comparison toan embodiment of the present invention. While the vertical displacementof the upper edge of the printout area 39 from the computed 0 centerlineof the media product 381 has increased to three vertical displacementunits in the off-center printout 39, the vertical displacement of thelower edge to the computed 0 centerline has decreased to one unit.Example embodiments of the present invention align the printing of theprintout area 39 in relation to the computed 0 centerline, and thuspromote the production of the centered printout 31, while deterringproduction of off center printouts, such as the printout 39.

Example System for Printing a Graphic Media Product.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a system forprinting a graphic media product. FIG. 4 depicts an example system 40for printing a graphic media product 445, according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. The graphic media product 445 comprises anindicia 444 marked upon a blank media substrate 442. The system 40comprises a print mechanism 47, a detector 42, a sensor 44, and aprocessor 45 operable for computing a center position 443 of the mediasubstrate 442.

The print mechanism 47 is operable for marking the indicia 444 upon theblank media substrate 442. The detector 42 is operable for detecting aninstallation of a supply 41 of the media substrate for feeding to theprint mechanism, and for activating the sensor 44 based on the detectionof the installation of the media substrate supply 41.

The detector 42 may detect the presence of the media substrate supply 41based on a ‘media loaded’ indication 413, which may correspond to, e.g.,electrically closing an electromechanical switch, optically activating(or deactivating) a photoelectric cell, ultrasonic detection, etc. Thedetector 42 may activate the sensor 44 with a ‘media supply present’signal 414.

Upon activation by the detector 42, the sensor 44 is operable formeasuring a lateral width 411 of the installed media substrate 41, suchas over a surface of a portion (e.g., page) 441 of the media substrate,and for providing a corresponding media width signal 412 to a processor45. The processor 45 is operable for computing the center position 443of the media substrate (441, 442, 443) based on the measured width 411.The marking of the indicia 444 is aligned relative to the computedcenter position 443 of the media substrate 442, etc. For example, theprocessor 45 may control the print mechanism to align the marking of theindicia 444 according to the computer center position 443.

The system 40 may also comprise a feeder mechanism (“feeder”) 43. Thefeeder 43 is operable for feeding the media substrate 442 to the printmechanism 47. The media substrate is fed along a direction 699 of thefeeding and the printing of the graphic media product 445.

The computed center position 443 is located along a line runninglongitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface ofthe media substrate (442, 443) and equidistant between a pair ofopposing lateral edges thereof. The sensor 44 may be operable furtherfor measuring the length 419 of the plane over the surface of the fedmedia substrate. The length 419 may be measured along the longitudinalline on which the computed center position is located, or along a lineparallel thereto.

The system may further comprise an input mechanism 475. The inputmechanism 475 is operable for inputting one or more setting adjustmentsover an adjustment range in relation to configuring a settingcorresponding to the measured width inputted.

In an example embodiment of the present invention, the media substratecomprises a plurality of marks 28 (FIG. 2B). The marks 28 are disposedalong at least one line perpendicular to a line running longitudinallyalong a length of a plane corresponding to a surface of the mediasubstrate and/or equidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edgesthereof, and each of the a pair of opposing lateral edges.

The media substrate may also comprise a plurality of gaps 27 betweeneach of the marks 28. The gaps 27 comprise a shade and/or a brightnessat least approximating a shade or a brightness of the media substrate.The marks comprise a shade and/or a brightness darker than that of thegaps. In an example embodiment, the measuring the width of the installedmedia substrate with the activated sensor 44, and/or the computation bythe processor 45 of the center position 443 of the media substrate basedon the measured width 411, comprises counting the gaps 27, and/orcounting the dots or other marks 28.

The system 40 is operable for performing a printing process. An exampleembodiment of the present invention relates to a method for printing agraphic media product.

Example Method for Printing a Graphic Media Product.

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart for an example method 50 for printing agraphic media product, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The system 40 (FIG. 4) may be operable for performing theexample method 50.

In step 51, an installation of a supply of the media substrate isdetected.

In step 52, a sensor is activated based on the detection of theinstallation.

In step 53, the activated sensor measures a width of the installed mediasubstrate.

In step 54, a center position of the media substrate is computed basedon the measured width.

In step 55, the marking of the indicia upon the media substrate isaligned relative to the computed center position of the media substrate.

The media substrate is fed to a print head along a direction of thefeeding and the printing of the graphic media product. The computedcenter position is located along a line running longitudinally along alength of a plane corresponding to a surface of the media substrate andequidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof.

The media substrate is fed in a direction of the feeding and theprinting of the graphic media product, and the length of the plane maybe measured over the surface of the fed media substrate. The length maybe measured along the longitudinal line on which the computed centerposition is located (or a line parallel thereto).

The computation of the center position of the media substrate based onthe measured width may comprise tracking a number of setting adjustmentsinputted in relation to configuring a setting corresponding to themeasured width.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to anon-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions,which when executed by one or more computer processors controls and/orcauses performance of a method for printing a graphic media product,such as the printing method 50, described above.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a graphicmedia product, which is printed by a process for marking an indicia upona media substrate. The printing process may comprise one or more of thesteps of the method 50, described above.

Example Graphic Media Products.

As used herein, the term “graphic media product” relates an indiciamarked on a media substrate. Graphic media products may present orconvey information visually, graphically, etc. to viewers.

The indicia may comprise one or more symbols. For example, the symbolsmay comprise text based information, such as alphanumeric, and/orcharacter or syllabary based text. The symbol may also (oralternatively) comprise ideographic, pictographic, or emblematic basedgraphics, images, or data patterns.

For effective information presentation, data patterns may be subject tocompliance with quality specifications promulgated by variousstandardization authorities. Such standards authorities include theAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), InternationalElectrotechnical Commission (IEC) International Organization forStandardization (ISO), and others.

For example, 1D Universal Product Code (UPC) and 2D matrix data patternsmay be specified to comply with quality specifications set forth in the‘ANSI/UCC5’ standard. Linear (1D) barcode patterns may be specified tocomply with quality specifications set forth in the ‘ISO/IEC 12516’standard. Quick Response (QR), Han Xin, and other 2D data patterns maybe specified to comply with quality specifications set forth in the‘ISO/IEC 15415’ standard

FIG. 6A depicts an example 1D bar code pattern 610, according to anembodiment of the present invention. The 1D bar code symbol 610 isdepicted as though printed in a ‘ladder’ or ‘drag’ mode on the printmedium 611.

FIG. 6B depicts another example 1D bar code pattern 620, according to anembodiment of the present invention. The 1D bar code symbol 622 isdepicted as though printed in a ‘picket fence’ mode on a print medium622.

The bar code symbols 610 and 620 each comprise a plurality of barelements 66 a and a plurality of space elements 68 b. The space elements68 b are disposed in parallel with the bar elements 66 a. In the dragmode, the bar code symbol 610 is printed parallel to the direction ofprinting 699. In the picket fence mode, the bar code symbol 620 isprinted in a perpendicular orientation to the direction of printing 699.

The bar code symbols 610 and 620 may each comprise data patterns relatedto, for example, an International (or “European”) Article Number and/orUniversal Product Code (EAN/UPC symbology) pattern, PDF417 (ISO/EC-15438related) pattern, which comprise four of the vertical bar like symbols66 a disposed over 17 of the horizontally disposed spacer symbols 68 b),1D dot code pattern, or other 1D symbols.

FIG. 6C depicts an example 2D matrix code pattern 650, according to anembodiment of the present invention. The 2D matrix code pattern 650comprises a matrix of 2D graphic symbol parts, such as squares and otherrectangle and polygons, printed on a print medium 655. The matrix datapattern 650 may comprise a 2D data pattern related to, for example,quick-response (QR) and/or Han Xin graphical or geometric data matrices,or other 2D symbols.

FIG. 6D depicts an example text based code pattern 640, according to anembodiment of the present invention. The text based code pattern 640comprises alphanumeric, character, or syllabary based text or other textrelated graphic symbol parts (e.g., OCR patterns), printed on a printmedium 644. The code pattern 640 may comprise human readable and opticalcharacter recognition (OCR) readable symbol parts, such as numbers,letters, characters, and syllables printed on a print medium 644. Thedata pattern 640 may comprise a 2D data pattern related to, for example,OCR-B or OCR-A, or other 2D symbols.

The print media 611, 622, 644, and 655 each move longitudinally in adirection 699 of respective printing operations. The print media 611,622, 644, and 655 may each comprise paper for receiving ink basedmarkings, thermally sensitive paper, or plastic or other material. Theprint media 611, 622, 644, and 655 may be disposed in a webconfiguration, which is significantly longer than it is wide. Thedirection of printing 699 is parallel to a longitudinal axis of theprint media 611, 622, 644, and 655, along which the media move.

The printing system 40 prints the symbols 610, 620, 640, and 650 on therespective web media 611, 622, 644, and 655 according to a printingprocess (e.g., method 50; FIG. 5). An example embodiment may beimplemented in which print logic generates a print command based on areference pattern, to be printed centered in the target position. Theprint command and related reference pattern is used by a print driver toactivate and energize print elements of the printing mechanism 47.

Responsive to the print command, for example, the activated andenergized print mechanism 47 marks a part of the bar codes 610 and 620,matrix code 650 and/or text pattern 640 based on the reference pattern305 and the media 611, 622, 644, and/or 655, respectively, advance inthe direction 699. Each time that the media is advanced, a print driveractivates elements of the print mechanism 112 for the marking ofsubsequent bar elements 66 a, and spacing of parallel space elements 66b, onto a segment (e.g., portion) onto the media 611, 622, and 655,and/or the text pattern portions onto the medium 644.

As the printed portions of the media 611, 622, 644 and 655 advancethrough the print mechanism 47, the output printed graphic media productis produced. With ‘linear’ operable image heads, successive scan imagesof the printed element may be buffered sequentially into the scan memoryarea in a correspondence with the succession. The print command may bestored in a command related memory area.

An example embodiment of the present invention relates to a mediaproduct comprising an indicia printed on a graphic medium. The graphicmedia products may be printed by the method 50, described above withreference to FIG. 5.

Example Computer and Network Platform.

An example embodiment may be implemented in which one or more componentsof the printing system 40 (e.g., processor 45, sensor 44, and/ordetector 42) are configured in electronic or computer based hardware,software stored physically (e.g., electronically, optically,electromagnetically) in non-transitory computer readable storage mediasuch as dynamic memory, flash memory, drives, caches, buffers,registers, latches, memory cells, or the like.

FIG. 7 depicts an example computer and network platform 700, with whichan embodiment of the present invention may be practiced. The computerand network platform 700 comprises a first computer system (“computer”)701 and a data communication network 788.

The computer 701 comprises one or more components of the printer system40 (e.g., product examiner 133). The computer 701 also comprises atouchscreen display 725. An example embodiment may be implemented inwhich the GUI 80 is rendered and actuated by the touchscreen display725.

The network 788 may comprise a packet-switched data network operablebased on transfer control and internetworking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP).The computer 701 may be coupled communicatively, and exchange datasignals, over the data communication network 788 with at least a secondcomputer 798, which is coupled communicatively with the data network788.

The data network 788 may comprise a portion of one or more othernetworks and/or two or more sub-network (“subnet”) components. Forexample, the data network 788 may comprise a portion of the internetand/or a particular wide area network (WAN). The network 788 may alsocomprise one or more WAN and/or local area network (LAN) subnetcomponents. Portions of the data network 788 may be operable wirelesslyand/or with wireline related means. The data network 788 may alsocomprise, at least in part, a communication network such as a digitaltelephone network.

An example embodiment may be implemented in which the computer 701 isoperable for sending data to the computer 798 in relation to theoperations of the print system 40 over the data network 788. Thecomputer 798 may then store printer system operation related data in thedatabase 777, from which it may be retrieved at a later time. Thecomputer 701 may be operable for presenting a query to the computer 798for input to the database 777, and for receiving corresponding replies,over the data communications network 788. An example embodiment may beimplemented in which the product configuration database 94 is related to(e.g., comprises a component of, mirrors, or is mirrored by) thedatabase 777.

The computer 701 comprises a plurality of electronic components, each ofwhich is coupled to a data bus 702. The data bus 702 is operable forallowing each of the multiple, various electronic components of computer701 to exchange data signals with each of the other electroniccomponents.

The electronic components of the computer 701 may comprise integratedcircuit (IC) devices, including one or more microprocessors. Theelectronic components of the computer 701 may also comprise other ICdevices, such as a microcontroller, field-programmable gate array (FPGA)or other programmable logic device (PLD) or application-specific IC(ASIC).

The microprocessors may comprise a central processing unit (CPU) 704.The CPU 704 is operable for performing general data processing functionsrelated to operations of the GRUI and other components of the computer701. The electronic components of the computer 701 may also comprise oneor more other processors 744.

For example, the other microprocessors may comprise a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU) and/or digital signal processor (DSP) 704, whichare each operable for performing data processing functions that may besomewhat more specialized than the general processing functions, as wellas sometimes sharing some processing functions with the CPU 704.

One of the processors 744 may also be operable as a “math” (mathematics)coprocessor. The math co-processor, DSP and/or GPU (“DSP/GPU”) 744 areoperable for performing computationally intense data processing. Thecomputationally intense processing may relate to imaging, imageevaluation, graphics, dimension measurements, wireframe manipulations,coordinate system management, control, and other (e.g., mathematical,financial) information. One of the microprocessors may comprise theprocessor 45, of the print system 40.

The data processing operations comprise computations performedelectronically by the image processor 333, CPU 704, and the DSP/GPU 744.The microprocessors may comprise components operable as an ALU, a FPU,and associated memory cells. The memory cells comprise non-transitorydata storage media, which may be configured as caches (e.g., “L1,”“L2”), registers, latches and/or buffers.

The memory cells are operable for storing data electronically inrelation to various functions of the processor. A translationallook-aside buffer (TLB) may be operable for optimizing efficiency of useof content-addressable memory (CAM) by the CPU 704, and/or the DSP/GPU744, etc.

The computer 701 also comprises non-transitory computer readable storagemedia operable for storing data, e.g., electronically. For example, thecomputer readable storage media comprises a main memory 706, such as arandom access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage medium. The mainmemory 706 is coupled to data bus 702 for storing information andinstructions, which are to be executed by the CPU 704.

The main memory 706 may also be used for storing temporary variables orother intermediate information during execution of instructions by theCPU 704. Other memories (represented in the present description withreference to the RAM 706) may be installed for similar uses by theDSP/GPU 744.

The printing evaluation system 300 further comprises a read-only memory(ROM) 708 or other static storage medium coupled to the data bus 702.The ROM 708 is operable for storing static information and instructionsfor use by the CPU 704. In addition to the RAM 706 and the ROM 708, thenon-transitory storage media may comprise at least one data storagedevice 710. The data storage device 710 is operable for storinginformation and instructions and allowing access thereto.

The data storage device 710 may comprise a magnetic disk drive, flashdrive, or optical disk drive (or other non-transitory computer readablestorage medium). The data storage device 710 comprises non-transitorymedia coupled to data bus 702, and may be operable for providing a“virtual memory” function. The virtual memory operations of the storagedevice 710 may supplement, at least temporarily, storage capacity ofother non-transitory media, such as the RAM 706.

The non-transitory storage media comprises instructions 783, which arestored (e.g., electronically, magnetically, optically, physically, etc.)in relation to software for programming, controlling, and/or configuringoperations of the computer 701 and its components, including theprinting system 100, the camera 766, the GUI 80, etc. The instructions783 may also relate to the performance of one or more steps of theprinting method 20 (FIG. 2A).

Instructions, programming, software, settings, values, andconfigurations, etc. related to the method 20, the printing system 100and its components, and other operations of the computer 701 are stored(e.g., magnetically, electronically, optically, physically, etc.) by thestorage medium 710, memory, etc.

The computer 701 comprises a user-interactive display configured as thetouchscreen 725, which is operable as a combined display and GUI (e.g.,GUI 80; FIG. 8). The touchscreen 725 may comprise a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), which is operable for rendering images by modulatingvariable polarization states of an array of liquid crystal transistorcomponents. The touchscreen 725 also comprises an interface operable forreceiving haptic inputs from a user.

The haptic interface of the GUI 80 and touchscreen 725 may comprise,e.g., at least two arrays of microscopic (or transparent) conductors,each of which is insulated electrically from the other and disposedbeneath a surface of the display 725 in a perpendicular orientationrelative to the other. The haptic inputs comprise pressure applied tothe surface of the touchscreen 725 and GUI 80, which cause correspondinglocal changes in electrical capacitance values proximate to the pressureapplication that are sensed by the conductor grids to effectuate asignal corresponding to the input.

The touchscreen display component 725 and GUI 80 are operable forrendering an interactive surface for receiving user inputs relating tothe actuators 81 and 82 and for rendering the adjustment tracker 88(FIG. 8). Images and video received from the camera 766 may also bepresented on the display 725.

The touchscreen 725 may be implemented operably for rendering imagesover a heightened (e.g., high) dynamic range (HDR). The rendering of theimages may also be based on modulating a back-light unit (BLU). Forexample, the BLU may comprise an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs).The LCDs may be modulated according to a first signal and the LEDs ofthe BLU may be modulated according to a second signal. The touchscreen725 may render an HDR image by coordinating the second modulation signalin real time, relative to the first modulation signal.

Other display technologies may also (or alternatively) be used. Forexample, the display 725 may comprise an organic LED (OLED) array. Thedisplay 725 may also (or alternatively) comprise a display operable overa standard dynamic range (SDR), sometimes also referred to as a “lowdynamic range” (LDR).

An input receiver 714 may comprise one or more electromechanicalswitches, which may be implemented as buttons, escutcheons,microelectromechanical sensors (MEMS) or other sensors, dual in-linepackage (DIP) switch, etc. The input receiver 714 may also comprisecursor and trigger controls such as a mouse, joystick, etc. and/or akeyboard. The keyboard may comprise an array of alphanumeric and/orideographic, syllabary based keys operable for typing correspondingletters, number, and/or other symbols. The keyboard may also comprise anarray of directional (e.g., “up/down,” “left/right”) keys, operable forcommunicating commands and data selections to the CPU 704 and forcontrolling movement of a cursor rendering over the touchscreen display725. The input receiver 714 may allow inputs for configuring the width411 of the media substrate.

The directional keys may be operable for presenting two degrees offreedom of a cursor, over at least two perpendicularly disposed axespresented on the display component of the touchscreen 725. A first ‘x’axis is disposed horizontally. A second ‘y’ axis, complimentary to thefirst axis, is disposed vertically. Thus, the printing evaluation system300 is thus operable for specifying positions over a representation of ageometric plane and/or other coordinate systems.

Execution of instruction sequences contained in the storage media 710and main memory 706 cause the CPU 704 to perform processing related togeneral operations of the computer 701, the DSP/GPU 744 to performvarious other processing operations, and the components of the printingsystem 100 to perform processing steps related to the example method 20(FIG. 2A). Additionally or alternatively, hard-wired circuitry may beused in place of, or in combination with the software instructions.Thus, the computer 701 is not limited to any specific combination ofcircuitry, hardware, firmware, or software.

The term “computer readable storage medium,” as used herein, may referto any non-transitory storage medium that participates in providinginstructions to the various processor components of the computer 701 forexecution. Such a medium may take various forms including, but notlimited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.

Non-volatile media comprises, for example, configured/programmed activeelements of the GRUI 41 (and other components of the control system 40)the CPU 704, the DSP/GPU 744, the non-transitory image related media710, stored instructions 783, and other optical, electronic, or magneticmedia. Volatile media comprises dynamic memory associated, e.g., withthe RAM 706.

Transmission media comprises coaxial cables, copper wire and otherelectrical conductors and fiber optics, including the wires (and/orother conductors or optics) that comprise the data bus 702.

Transmission media can also take the form of electromagnetic radiation(e.g., light waves), such as may be generated at a radio frequency (RF),and infrared (IR) and other optical frequencies. Data communications mayalso be effectuated using other means, including acoustic (e.g., soundrelated) or other mechanical, vibrational, or phonon related media.

Non-transitory computer-readable storage media may comprise, forexample, flash drives such as may be accessible via universal serial bus(USB) or any medium from which the computer 701 can access, read,receive, and retrieve data.

Various forms of non-transitory computer readable storage media may beinvolved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructionsto CPU 704 for execution. For example, the instructions may initially becarried on a magnetic or other disk of a remote computer (e.g., computer798). The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamicmemory and send the instructions over networks 788.

The printing system 100 can receive the data over the network 788 anduse an infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), or other transmitter meansto convert the data to corresponding signals. An IR, RF or other signaldetector or receiver (“receiver”) coupled to the data bus 702 canreceive the data carried in the corresponding signals and place the dataon data bus 702. The operations associated with the transmitter and thereceiver may be combined in a transmitter/receiver (transceiver) means.The transmitter, receiver and/or transceiver means may be associatedwith the interfaces 718.

The data bus 702 carries the data to main memory 706, from which CPU 704and the DSP/GPU 744 retrieve and execute the instructions. Theinstructions received by main memory 706 may optionally be stored onstorage device 710 either before or after execution by CPU 704.

The interfaces 718 may comprise a communication interface coupled to thedata bus 702. The communication interface is operable for providing atwo-way (or more) data communication coupling to a network link 720,which may connect wirelessly over RF to the network 788. Wirelesscommunication may also be implemented optically, e.g., at IRfrequencies.

Signals may be exchanged via the interfaces 718 with an external device799 (e.g., another computer or external storage device) through acompatible communication port 719. The input receiver 417 may providesignals to the GRUI 41 and other components of the control system 40 andthe computer 701 via the port 719.

In any implementation, the communication interface 718 sends andreceives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carrydigital data streams representing various types of information. Thenetwork link 720 provides data communication through the network 788 toother data devices. The input receiver 417 may provide signals to theprinter system 100 and other components of the computer 701 via thenetwork links 720 and/or the data communications network 788.

The network 788 may use one or more of electrical, electromagnetic,and/or optical signals carrying digital data streams. The signals sentover the network 788 and through the network link 720 and communicationinterface 718 carry the digital data to and from the printing evaluationsystem 300. The printing evaluation system 300 can send messages andreceive data, including program code, through the network 788, networklink 720 and communication interface 718.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporatesentirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patentapplication publications, and patent applications:

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Example embodiments of the present invention are thus described inrelation to a system and method for printing media products. An exampleembodiment of the present invention relates to a system for printing anindicia on a graphic medium. An example embodiment of the presentinvention relates to a system for printing a graphic media product. Thegraphic media product comprises an indicia marked upon a mediasubstrate. The system comprises a print mechanism, a detector, a sensor,and a processor operable for computing a center position of the mediasubstrate.

The print mechanism is operable for marking the indicia upon the mediasubstrate. The detector is operable for detecting an installation of asupply of the media substrate for feeding to the print mechanism, andfor activating the sensor based on the detection of the installation ofthe media substrate. The sensor is operable for measuring a width of theinstalled media substrate. The processor is operable for computing acenter position of the media substrate based on the measured width. Themarking of the indicia is aligned relative to the computed centerposition of the media substrate.

Example embodiments of the present invention are thus useful forprinting graphic media products. Example embodiments reduce reliance onusers' knowledge and memory in configuring correct width settings forvarious media substrates. Example embodiments configure the widthsettings with sufficient correctness for printing of media products inconformance to quality standards and specifications, and to promote theclear communication of information presented therewith. Further, exampleembodiments reduce errors relating to the correct width measurement andthe corresponding setting configurations, and related occurrence ofprinting failures or faulty and/or out-of-specification print products.

For clarity and brevity, as well as to avoid unnecessary or unhelpfulobfuscating, obscuring, obstructing, or occluding features of an exampleembodiment, certain intricacies and details, which are known generallyto artisans of ordinary skill in related technologies, may have beenomitted or discussed in less than exhaustive detail. Any such omissionsor discussions are neither necessary for describing example embodimentsof the invention, nor particularly relevant to understanding ofsignificant elements, features, functions, and aspects of the exampleembodiments described herein.

In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of theinvention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited tosuch example embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any andall combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and theterm “or” is used in an inclusive (and not exclusive) sense. The figuresare schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale.Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic anddescriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed, is:
 1. A method for printing a graphic media productwith a media printer, the method comprising the steps of: detecting aninstallation of a supply of a media substrate; activating a sensor,based on the detection of the installation; measuring a width of theinstalled media substrate with the activated sensor by countingtruncated calibration dots positioned on the left and right of the mediasubstrate, the calibration dots being disposed on the media printer;computing a center position of the media substrate based on the measuredwidth; and marking the indicia upon the media substrate wherein themarking of the indicia is aligned relative to the computed centerposition of the media substrate.
 2. The method as described in claim 1,further comprising the step of feeding the media substrate to a printhead along a direction of the feeding and the printing of the graphicmedia product.
 3. The method as described in claim 1 wherein thecomputed center position is located along a line running longitudinallyalong a length of a plane corresponding to a surface of the mediasubstrate and equidistant between a pair of opposing lateral edgesthereof.
 4. The method as described in claim 3, further comprising thesteps of: feeding the media substrate in a direction of the feeding andthe printing of the graphic media product; and measuring the length ofthe plane over the surface of the fed media substrate.
 5. The method asdescribed in claim 4 wherein the length is measured along thelongitudinal line on which the computed center position is located. 6.The method as described in claim 1 wherein the step of computing acenter position of the media substrate based on the measured widthcomprises tracking a number of setting adjustments inputted in relationto configuring a setting corresponding to the measured width.
 7. Themethod as described in claim 1 wherein the media substrate comprises aplurality of marks disposed along at least one line perpendicular to oneor more of a line running longitudinally along a length of a planecorresponding to a surface of the media substrate and equidistantbetween a pair of opposing lateral edges thereof, and each of the a pairof opposing lateral edges.
 8. The method as described in claim 7 whereinthe media substrate further comprises a plurality of gaps between eachof the marks, wherein the gaps comprise one or more of a shade or abrightness at least approximating a shade or a brightness of the mediasubstrate, wherein the marks comprise one or more of a shade or abrightness darker than that of the gaps.
 9. The method as described inclaim 8 wherein one or more of the measuring the width of the installedmedia substrate with the activated sensor, or the computing the centerposition of the media substrate based on the measured width comprisescounting at least one of the gaps or the marks.
 10. The method asdescribed in claim 1 wherein the graphic media product comprises anindicia marked upon the media substrate.
 11. A system for printing agraphic media product with a media printer, the system comprising: aprint mechanism operable for marking an indicia upon the mediasubstrate; a detector operable for detecting an installation of a supplyof the media substrate for feeding to the print mechanism; a sensoroperable for measuring a width of the installed media substrate bycounting truncated calibration dots positioned on the left and right ofthe media substrate, the calibration dots being disposed on the mediaprinter, wherein the detector is further operable for activating thesensor based on the detection of the installation of the mediasubstrate; and a processor operable for computing a center position ofthe media substrate based on the measured width, wherein the marking ofthe indicia is aligned relative to the computed center position of themedia substrate.
 12. The system as described in claim 11, furthercomprising a feeder mechanism operable for feeding the media substrateto the print mechanism along a direction of the feeding and the printingof the graphic media product.
 13. The system as described in claim 11wherein the computed center position is located along a line runninglongitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface ofthe media substrate and equidistant between a pair of opposing lateraledges thereof.
 14. The system as described in claim 13 wherein themeasuring the sensor is further operable for measuring the length of theplane over the surface of the fed media substrate.
 15. The system asdescribed in claim 14 wherein the length is measured along thelongitudinal line on which the computed center position is located. 16.The system as described in claim 11, further comprising an inputmechanism operable for inputting one or more setting adjustments over anadjustment range in relation to configuring a setting corresponding tothe measured width inputted.
 17. The system as described in claim 11wherein the media substrate comprises a plurality of marks disposedalong at least one line perpendicular to one or more of a line runninglongitudinally along a length of a plane corresponding to a surface ofthe media substrate and equidistant between a pair of opposing lateraledges thereof, and each of the a pair of opposing lateral edges.
 18. Thesystem as described in claim 17 wherein the media substrate furthercomprises a plurality of gaps between each of the marks, wherein thegaps comprise one or more of a shade or a brightness at leastapproximating a shade or a brightness of the media substrate, whereinthe marks comprise one or more of a shade, or a brightness darker thanthat of the gaps.
 19. The system as described in claim 18 wherein one ormore of the measuring the width of the installed media substrate withthe activated sensor, or the computing the center position of the mediasubstrate based on the measured width, comprises counting at least oneof the gaps or the marks.
 20. A graphic media product printed with amedia printer using a process for marking an indicia upon a mediasubstrate, the printing process comprising the method steps of:detecting an installation of a supply of the media substrate for feedingto a printing head; activating a sensor, based on the detection of theinstallation of the supply of the media substrate; measuring a width ofthe installed media substrate with the activated sensor by countingtruncated calibration dots positioned on the left and right of the mediasubstrate, the calibration dots being disposed on the media printer andtotal number of the calibration dots corresponding to a maximum printingwidth of the media printer; computing a center position of the mediasubstrate based on the measured width, the center position beingcomputed relative to the printer and comprising adding half of themeasured width of the installed media substrate to a total of one of theleft or right truncated calibration dots; and aligning the marking ofthe indicia upon the media substrate relative to the computed centerposition of the media substrate.